The Widening Gulf Between Judaism and Israel

The notion of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state is more of a myth now. According to our guest Rabbi Lev Baesh, who has a unique resume, it’s not so much of a Jewish state anymore and it has become super nationalistic. He explains that for American Jews in the 1950s, it came to replace old ways of identifying as a Jew; like “Let Israel do the Jewishness for us.” And today although the Israel lobby in Washington (AIPAC) is united on the right and is exceptionally powerful, there is great volatility among Israelis. Lev Baesh addresses the new “Israel Anti-Boycott Act,” which makes some speech a crime. He’s concerned that “AIPAC controls our legislature which controls our voices.” He also talks about his work with the unique Circle of Health International (Cohintl.org).